Coin box anti-theft device



E. L. M CLELLAN COIN BOX ANTI-THEFT DEVICE A ril 7, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 23, 1962 INVENTOR. ewmw m4: (LEI-LAN 1 woit5-%/J ATTOR 75 Ap 1954 E. MCCLELLAN com BOX ANTI-THEFT DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 23, 1962 a.) NEYS INVENTOR. EDWARD L. M: CLELLAN BY w i. 7am

United States Patent ()1.

3,128,937 Patented Apr. 7.,1964

3,123,037 *JGEN BGX ANTI-THEFT DEVHCE Edward L. McClellan, Los Angeles, Calif., assignor to Universal Products Corporation, a corporation of California Filed Mar. 23, 1962, Ser. No. 181,893 7 Claims. (1. 23263) This invention relates to anti-theft devices for coin boxes and is particularly directed towards an anti-theft device for use in toll station telephone coin boxes to prevent unauthorized personnel from removing coins therefrom.

Many ingenious devices have been devised for retrieving coins from telephone coin boxes. Since many toll telephones are in isolated locations, there is usually ample time for a thief to carry out the necessary manipulations to remove coins, which often can only be effected by retrieving one coin or more at a time from the telephone coin box. Most retrieving devices take the form of an elongated flexible member including longitudinally movable shafts within the flexible member terminating in small fingers adapted to pinch or engage the edge of a coin or coins upon actuation of the opposite ends of the shafts. The device itself may be worked through the conventional coin box lid openings to engage the coins.

In designing an anti-theft device for use with coin boxes, a major requirement is that such structure be of sufficient strength so that a would-be thief cannot damage or move the device aside by pounding or prying with a suitable instrument prior to insertion of the retrieving tool. The device itself should not seize the shaft of any tool but only act to eject coins from it. Otherwise, each such seizure would require an expensive trip to the premises to remove the retrieving tool. Further, as a practical matter in the case of telephones, and in view of the tremendous capital investment in present day coin boxes, it is desirable that any anti-theft device be adaptable to quick and easy installation without requiring any alteration or modification of the existing coin boxes. Moreover, it is important that such anti-theft device not interfere with proper distribution of coins in the box and dumping of the coins from the box for counting after an authorized collection. The device should also occupy a minimum of space in the box so as to still allow ample volume to collect coins.

With all of the foregoing in mind, it is a primary object of this invention to provide a novel anti-theft device particularly adapted for use with telephone coin boxes to prevent unauthorized removal of coins from the box regardless of the type of presently known retrieving instruments which might be employed.

More particularly, it is an object to provide an antitheft device for telephone coin boxes which is sufficiently rugged in construction to resist unauthorized pounding or prying to the extent that the coin box structure itself would have to be destroyed to gain illegal access.

Another important object is to provide an anti-theft device which may be permanently installed in present day telephone coin boxes without requiring any special tools, screws, bolts, or other equivalent fastening means and most importantly, which requires absolutely no alteration whatsoever of the existing boxes. An auxiliary object in conjunction with the foregoing is to provide a device which, when once installed, is not discernible from the exterior of the box so that the outside appearance of the box structure is not changed and no one can detect the presence of the device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an anti-theft device which will aid in preventing removal of coins from a box even if the complete coin telephone unit is turned upside down.

Another object is to provide an anti-theft device which will insure the even distribution of coins within the box and will avoid any piling up of the coins when passed through the conventional box lid coin receiving opening.

Still another object is to proivde an anti-theft device designed to prevent the use of a second tool lowered along side a retrieving tool to render the anti-theft device inoperative while retrieving coins.

Briefly, these and many other objects and advantages of this invention are attained by providing a frame structure with a double chute assembly or baffle including a concave upper scoope terminating in a lower edge facing rearwardly and slanting generally downwardly. The frame structure also includes a rear plate arranged to be received against the rear wall of a conventional telephone coin box and frictionally retained in place so that the installation does not require any modification of the box or any special fastening means. A lower concave scoop is defined by a cutout central portion of the rear plate to pass under the upper scoop and complete the double chute assembly. Suitable side and floor openings are provided in the sides and floor of the lower chute. These openings are smaller than any coin used in the telephone.

The foregoing arrangement is such that when the frame structure is received within the coin box the upper and lower scoops are disposed beneath the lid coin receiving opening so that coins will be received on the upper scoop and slide downwardly and rearwardly to the lower scoop and thence forwardly to drop over the forward edge of the lower scoop into the coin box. Any attempt to insert a suitable retrieving tool into the box to recover a coin will result in the tool passing into one of the side of floor openings and any coins attempted to be withdrawn will thus be snared by the edges of the opening and drop back into the box.

The frame structure including the concave lower scoop is preferably formed from an integral stamping of high grade metal to provide the desired strength and simplicity of design. The concave shape of the upper and lower scoops themselves is such that piling up of coins under the lid opening is not possible. Furthermore, the scoops are so shaped to guide the coins such that they will be substantially evenly distributed in the lower portion of the coin box.

A better understanding of the invention will be had by now referring to a preferred embodiment thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a fregmentary exploded perspective view illustrating the rear portion of a conventional telephone coin box and the anti-theft device of this invention prior to insertion of the same within the box;

FIGURE 2 is a rear perspective View of the anti-theft device illustrated in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary cross section useful in explaining the manner in which the device is retained within the coin box of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a side fragmentary cross section of the device illustrating the operation thereof; and

FIGURE 5 is a plan view of a preferred type of upper scoop employed in the device.

Referring first to FIGURE 1, there is indicated generally by the numeral 10 the fragmentary rear portion of a conventional toll telephone coin receiving box. As shown, this box includes a rear wall 11 and forwardly extending sidewalls 12 and 13. In conventional coin box constructions, the rear wall 11 includes forwardly extending sides 11a and 11b arranged to nest with inwardly and rearwardly directed and edge portions of the sidewalls 12 and 13, the same being secured by suitable means such as welding.

A lid 14, provided with a conventional coin receiving opening 15 and arranged to be closed by a slidable shutter 16, is hinged to the rear wall 11. This hinging is effected by suitable hinge tab receiving openings 17, 18, and 19 formed in the rear wall and arranged to receive respectively hinge tabs 20, 21, and 22 secured to the lower portion of the lid 14. With this arrangement, the lid 14 may be swung downwardly in the direction of the arrow 23 to close the top of the coin box.

The arrangement of the coin box with respect to the coin operated telephone itself is such that when the box is inserted within the phone, a suitable lever arrangement (not shown) serves to slide the shutter 16 open so that the coin receiving opening 15 is open and coins may be received within the box when released from the telephone coin slide chutes. When the box is removed from the telephone proper, the same lever arrangement automatically closes and locks the shutter 16 so that the box can only be opened at a central telephone station by authorized personnel having a key. The lever arrangement and shutter structure form no part of the present invention and thus are not shown or described in detail. They are only mentioned to indicate that certain protuberances and the like associated with the operation of the conventional coin box extend within the box structure and must be carefully avoided by any anti-theft device to be inserted within the box.

Referring now to the upper portion of FIGURE 1 and to FIGURES 2, 3, 4 and 5, there is shown the antitheft device of the present invention designed specifically for cooperation with the above-described coin box 16. As shown, this anti-theft device comprises a frame structure including a rear plate 24 having lower side edges extending forwardly to define side flanges 25 and 26. A reinforcing plate 27 including a reinforcing rib 28 is welded to the front of the rear plate, the purpose for which will become clearer as the description proceeds.

The integral rear plate 24 extends upwardly and is thence folded about a horizontal fold line as indicated at 29. The rear central portion of this plate is cut out to define a general inverted T-shape as best seen in FIG- URE 2 and bent forwardly out of the plane of the plate in a compound curve defining a lower scoop of concave shape when viewed from above.

It should be understood that the scoop 30 forms an integral cutout portion of the plate 24 and to provide a smooth scoop guiding surface for the coins, the side edges of the scoop are integrally formed from the top surface 29 as at 31 and 32 to extend downwardly. The ends of the inverted T cutout defining the scoop 30 in turn are bent upwardly to cradle the lower edges of the sides 31 and 32 as shown at 33 and 34. This structure provides considerable strength and since the entire rear plate, scoop surface, scoop sides, and upwardly bent scoop ends are formed from one integral sheet of metal, the manufacture thereof is simplified and the structural integrity assured. The reinforcing plate 27 covers the cutout portion as shown in FIGURE 2 and the integral rib 28 lends further support to the under side of the lower scoop 30.

Supported on the upper forward edges of the sides 31 and 32 there is provided an upper scoop structure 35 including a central concave rearwardly and downwardly extending scoop surface 36. The surface 36 terminates in a rearwardly facing edge 37 following at least in part a convex curve when viewed in plan as best shown in FIGURE 5. This edge is spaced above and forward of the scoop 30 to define a double baflle assembly therewith. Coins dropped through the lid opening 15 of FIGURE 1 when the device is assembled will thus first strike the upper scoop surface 36 and slide to the rear portion of the lower scoop 30 and thence forwardly on the scoop 36 passing under the upper scoop to drop 4- over the forward edge of the scoop 30 into the coin box.

With particular reference now to FIGURE 2, it will be noted that the rear upper portion of the plate 24 is provided with a pocket 38. This pocket 38 is designed to accommodate the center hinge tab 21 in FIGURE 1 described in conjunction with the lid 14 and coin box 10 when the entire frame structure is inserted within the coin box. In this respect, the lid 14 is first removed and after the frame structure is inserted, the lid is replaced with hinge 21 extending slightly into the pocket 38 and thus preventing removal of the frame. The hinges 2t) and 22 are clear of the upper side edges of the plate 24 when the lid is replaced.

The distance between the forwardly extending lower side portions 25 and 26 of the rear plate 24 as shown in FIGURE 2 is designated a and is made purposel slightly larger than the distance between the sides 11a and 11b of the rear wall. With reference to FIGURE 3, this latter distance is shown at d. By so dimensioning the rear plate of the frame structure in this manner, a sli ht bowing of the rear plate and reinforcing plate 27 will be necessary to insert the frame structure against the rear wall 11 when inserting the same in the coin box 10 of FIGURE 1.

This bowing is clearly illustrated in the plan cross section of FIGURE 3. The tendency for the rear plate 24- and reinforcing plate 27 to straighten into a plane will result in considerable force being exerted by the sides 25 and 26 against the sides Ill-a and 11b of the rear plate 11 so that the frame structure is securely held within the coin box.

The sides 25 and 26 of the rear plate 24 are also designed to extend forwardly a distance such that their front edges will abut against the inner ends of the side walls 12 and 13 of the box itself as clearly shown in FIGURE 3. The entire frame structure is thus securely locked within the coin box. This locking is further in sured by the pocket 38 receiving the projecting portion of the hinge tab 21.

Referring to the fragmentary cross section of FIGURE 4, the manner in which the above-described hinge tab 21 is received within the pocket 40 is illustrated by the dotted lines. It will be evident that once the frame structure has been inserted within the coin box, it is more or less permanently installed at it is very difficult to remove the same without damaging the lid hinges or other portions of the box. However, it is to be particularly noted that the installation has not required any modification whatsoever in the coin box itself nor has it required the provision of special tools or auxiliary fastening means such as screws and bolts.

The sliding surfaces of the scoops 3t and 36 are rendered extremely smooth by the use of nickel or chrome plating which may also be applied to the side portions of the scoop formation. The geometry of both of the scoop curves is such as to direct coins received thereon towards the coin box in such a manner that they will drop through at substantially the center portion thereof. Thus, the coins may slide in a uniform random manner towards the four corners of the coin box after passing from the upper to the lower scoop and thus be substantially evenly distributed within the box. The upper scoop itself is sufficiently curved to avoid the possibility of any coins stacking up under the lid opening when received through the lid opening. Further, the area of the scoop is such that coins falling in edgewise will eventually land on one or the other of their faces so that they are almost horizontal by the time they reach the lower end of the lower scoop.

Referring once again to the upper portion of FIGURE 1, it will be noted that the sides 31 and 32 include side openings 39 and 44). Also, the lower central portion of the lower scoop 30 includes an opening 41 and semicircular edge openings such as indicated at 42 spaced behind the central opening. These openings are not of sufiicient size to pass any coins received in the double scoop structures but are of sufficient size to permit a retrieving tool to pass therethrough. Further, their location is such that the scoops will guide any retrieving tool forced against the scoops in a direction to pass through one of the openings. Towards this end, the radiused or curved lower edge 37 of the upper scoop will tend to urge any tool towards one or the other of the side openings 39, 4-0.

The operation of the anti-theft device of this invention will be evident from the foregoing description. Initially, the device is installed in the conventional telephone coin boxes by authorized personnel by inserting the rear plate 24 against the back wall 11 of the coin box with the lid in open position as described heretofore. As mentioned, proper bowing or distorting of the rear plate is necessary for this installation so that upon release of the same, the entire frame structure will be securely locked by friction to the interior of the coin box. The upper scoop surface 36 is dimensioned to register with the coin receiving opening 15 in the lid so that any coins passing through this opening will be received in the scoop and directed towards the lower scoop 36.

As coins are received through the lid opening, they will slide down the upper scoop surface of the lower scoop and fall over the forward edge of the lower scoop into the box itself. The openings 39, 4t), 41, and 42 are too small to pass any of the coins received as mentioned and will not interfere with their travel.

If now any unauthorized person should attempt to retrieve a coin by one or more of the conventional type instruments, the instrument itself will be guided by the upper scoop surface 36 towards one or the other of the sides 31 and 32 because of the curved edge 37. The instrument will then pass through either the opening 39 or 40 and extend into the coin box. However, when a coin is held by the instrument, it is not possible to withdraw the coin back through the opening, the sides of the opening engaging the coin held by the instrument. The coin will thus be snared and simply dropped back into the coin box. If per chance the retrieving tool is 'worked past the side openings, its passage down the lower scoop 30 will result in its passing through either the central opening 41 or one of the semi-circular edge openings such as 42. Attempted withdrawal of a coin will thus again result in the coin being snared by the opening to drop back in the box. A baffie structure is thus provided to prevent unauthorized removal of the coins.

If the entire box is removed and an attempt made to retrieve coins by turning the box upside down, the shape of the scoops is such that they will tend to cause the coins by their weight to pile upon the underside of the scoops.

The reinforcing plate 27 and rib 28 will strengthen the lower scoop 30 against downward bending movement as a result of pounding on the same.

From the foregoing description, it will be evident that the present invention has provided a novel anti-theft device for use with coin boxes which satisfies all of the various objects set forth heretofore. It should be understood that while the particular embodiment set forth for illustrative purposes has been described in conjunction with a telephone type coin box, the anti-theft device may equally as well be adapted for use with other types of coin boxes to prevent unauthorized removal of coins therefrom. Such adaptations as are necessary fall clearly within the scope and spirit of this invention. The antitheft device is accordingly not to be thought of as limited to the exact structure set forth merely for illustrative purposes.

What is claimed is:

1. An anti-theft device for a coin box comprising: a coin receiving scoop means including an upper scoop terminating in a downwardly slanting rearwardly facing lower edge; and a lower scoop slanting forwardly and downwardly below said upper scoop, said scoop means being adapted to receive coins and positioned to pass said coins into said box when said coins slide down said upper scoop and fall onto said lower scoop; and opening means adjacent the side edges of said lower scoop of smaller size than any coins received in said device, said rearwardly facing lower edge of said upper scoop following at least in part a convex curve whereby any flexible retrieving tool forced against said scoops is guided by said lower edge to pass through one of said opening means.

2. A device according to claim 1, in which said frame structure includes a rear plate of dimensions slightly greater than the width of said coin box adapted to be suitably bowed and lowered into said coin box such that after insertion said plate is biased into frictional engagement with side portions of said box to retain said device in said box.

3. An anti-theft device for insertion in a telephone coin box having a rear wall with a lid hinged thereto and forwardly extending sidewalls spaced apart a given distance, comprising: an integral frame structure including a rear plate, the lower side edge portions thereof extending forwardly to define side flanges spaced apart a distance slightly greater than said given distance, said rear plate extending upwardly and thence folded over about a horizontal fold line and including integral downwardly extending sides, a central portion of said rear plate being cut and bent out of the plane of the plate to define a concave lower scoop, the end side edges of said scoop extending laterally and being bent upwardly to cradle the forward lower edges of said sides; and an upper scoop structure supported on the upper edges of said sides and including a downwardly rearwardly directed scoop surface spaced above the rear surface portion of said lower scoop surface, whereby said frame structure may be inserted against said rear wall of said coin box by bowing said rear plate so that said side flanges may be received within said box and retain said frame structure therein by friction, said upper scoop structure being positioned to receive coins passing through said lid, said coins sliding down said upper scoop to strike said lower scoop and slide therealong under said upper scoop to fall into said coin box.

4. A device according to claim 3, including a reinforcing plate secured to said rear plate and including an integral upper rib engaging the underside of said lower scoop structure to support the same.

5. A device according to claim 3, in which the lower front edge of said downwardly rearwardly directed scoop surface of said upper scoop surface follows at least in part a convex curve, and in which the sides include openings smaller than any coins received in said box, said openings being positioned relative to said upper scoop to receive any retrieving instrument engaging said upper scoop and biased towards one side by said convex edge, whereby coins retrieved by said instrument after passing through said side opening are snared by the edges of said opening when an attempt is made to withdraw said instrument.

6. A device according to claim 5, in which said rear plate includes a rear pocket to accommodate a hinge portion of said lid when said frame structure is inserted in said coin box.

7. A device according to claim 5, in which said lower scoop includes two edge openings and one forward opening smaller than any coins received in said device, said forward opening being positioned sufficiently forward of said edge openings to receive any retrieving tool guided to avoid passing through said edge openings.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 285,742 Fowler Sept. 25, 1893 

1. AN ANTI-THEFT DEVICE FOR A COIN BOX COMPRISING: A COIN RECEIVING SCOOP MEANS INCLUDING AN UPPER SCOOP TERMINATING IN A DOWNWARDLY SLANTING REARWARDLY FACING LOWER EDGE; AND A LOWER SCOOP SLANTING FORWARDLY AND DOWNWARDLY BELOW SAID UPPER SCOOP, SAID SCOOP MEANS BEING ADAPTED TO RECEIVE COINS AND POSITIONED TO PASS SAID COINS INTO SAID BOX WHEN SAID COINS SLIDE DOWN SAID UPPER SCOOP AND FALL ONTO SAID LOWER SCOOP; AND OPENING MEANS 